NFL asks media to refrain from tipping draft picks before they're announced
The NFL has asked networks covering the upcoming NFL draft to not reveal draft picks on social media before they're announced on television, according to The Big Lead.
"As network partners of the NFL, we encourage and appreciate your coverage of the draft in Chicago this year and ask for your cooperation with this approach," NFL senior vice president of broadcasting Howard Kurtz said in a letter sent to the heads NBC, CBS and Fox.
"Please have your reporters and other personnel refrain from revealing picks on social media or other platforms before they are announced in the draft broadcasts."
During past drafts, online media members have routinely scooped the official NFL announcement by several seconds.
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SI.com reported on Sunday that neither ESPN, which is televising the draft, nor NFL Network staffers will give away picks on social media during the opening round, reflecting a policy both have maintained for several years.
ESPN senior coordinating producer Seth Markman told SI.com the request was made out of a desire to “keep the suspense of the draft.”
NFL teams are currently not allowed to reveal their draft selections to the public before they are announced, either.
An estimated 32 million people watched the first round of the 2014 NFL draft on ESPN.
- Will Green
